Imagine a large, brown paper bag full of groceries ... but this one has Mickey Mouse hands, an impish grin, and a couple of big blue eyes with a determined gleam, heading right for you in the condiments aisle. Don't worry, it's not a nightmare. It's H.E.Buddy, the mascot of Texas-based HEB grocery stores. Sporting his own line of snacks and dinners, he's a thrill for the kids and gives parents a good laugh. He even has his own currency: Buddy Bucks, a little bit of "Buddy Money" for the kids to put into prize machines inside each store. The H.E.Buddy, in truth, is some lucky cashier or bagger picked for the job during that particular shift; everybody enjoys suiting up and romping around with the kids. Even parents can get in on the fun by taking a picture with him. So next time you're doing your weekly shopping at HEB and you see a large grocery bag making a beeline for you, don't run; it's just your friendly, neighborhood H.E.Buddy!
